Thinkin' on Lincoln

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A political podcast that won’t make you hate your neighbor. Curtis and Ryan unpack cultural and political issues facing Oklahoma and the nation with a light-hearted air. Brought to you by The Oklahoma Council of Public Affairs.

Curtis Shelton and Ryan Haynie

Oklahoma, USA


    • May 12, 2025 LATEST EPISODE
    • monthly NEW EPISODES
    • 43m AVG DURATION
    • 64 EPISODES

    Ivy Insights

    The Thinkin' on Lincoln podcast is a refreshing and engaging podcast that offers a conservative perspective on various Oklahoma issues. Hosted by a couple of younger guys, Ryan and Curtis, the podcast combines casual conversation, informative discussions, and entertaining banter to create an enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are politically involved or not, this podcast manages to be both informational and entertaining, making it accessible to a wide range of listeners.

    One of the best aspects of The Thinkin' on Lincoln podcast is the chemistry between Ryan and Curtis. Their banter is natural and lighthearted, creating an enjoyable dynamic that keeps listeners engaged throughout each episode. This casual approach allows for a more relatable listening experience and makes complex political topics more accessible to those who may not be well-versed in politics.

    Additionally, the podcast provides valuable insights from a conservative perspective. It offers a fresh take on Oklahoma issues that might not always align with mainstream media narratives. The hosts dive into topics such as funding school districts in their first episode, providing well-researched information while still maintaining an entertaining format. This combination of informative content and entertaining delivery makes The Thinkin' on Lincoln podcast both educational and enjoyable.

    However, one potential downside of the podcast is its limited focus on actual ghosts at OU as mentioned by Smoot in their review. While the hosts do touch upon various Oklahoma issues from a conservative standpoint, it seems that some listeners were initially drawn to the idea of hearing stories about haunted hallways and students who died while attending OU. It may be beneficial for the hosts to either clarify the focus of their podcast in future episodes or consider incorporating some ghost-related content alongside their political discussions to cater to these expectations.

    In conclusion, The Thinkin' on Lincoln podcast has great potential for growth due to its engaging hosts, informative discussions from a conservative perspective, and its ability to keep listeners entertained throughout each episode. With its combination of casual conversation, informative content, and lighthearted banter, this podcast offers a unique and enjoyable listening experience. Whether you are politically involved or just looking to be informed and entertained, The Thinkin' on Lincoln podcast is definitely worth a listen.



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    Latest episodes from Thinkin' on Lincoln

    Legislative Update with Curtis and Ryan

    Play Episode Listen Later May 12, 2025 41:14


    Curtis and Ryan give an update on how legislative session has gone so far and how the last few weeks might shape up.

    Why Work?

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 31, 2025 44:20


    Curtis and Ryan talk with David Bahnsen, CIO of The Bahnsen Group and bestselling author, about flipping the script on how we see work—and why it might just be one of life's greatest blessings.

    Kevin McDugle on Glossip v. Oklahoma

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 17, 2025 49:43


    Curtis and Ryan sit down with former state Representative Kevin McDugle to discuss the recent U.S. Supreme Court ruling in Glossip v. Oklahoma and his role in the case. Notes: https://www.reedsmith.com/en/news/2023/03/reed-smith-glossip-investigation-releases-new-findings-evidence-withheld 

    Big Picture: Checking in on D.C.

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 4, 2025 49:04


    This week, the guys take a step back from Oklahoma politics to explore a broader perspective on the major projects unfolding in Washington, D.C.Have a guest suggestion or feedback? Let us know at digital@ocpathink.org.

    Property Tax Problems with Manish Bhatt

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 14, 2025 53:54


    Tax expert and Senior Policy Analyst for the Tax Foundation, Manish Bhatt, joins the guys to talk about the complications, functions, and frustrations surrounding the property tax.To read about the REINS Act, check out this article from OCPAthink.org, "Effort to reduce state regulation gets bipartisan support"

    New year, same government spending problem

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 17, 2025 43:43


    Listen in as the guys discuss what to watch for in the upcoming legislative session and a few grassroots initiatives that you should probably keep an eye on.

    What's Next? The OK Supreme Court is Hiring

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 22, 2024 49:00


    The guys debrief the results of the recent election cycle, including Oklahoma voters' historic decision not to retain an Oklahoma Supreme Court justice.To read the article about judicial districts Ryan mentions, click this link.For more information on OCPA's judicial scorecard, click here.

    Workers' comp cases and controversies

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 3, 2024 43:54


    Renowned law professor and former OCPA fellow Andy Spiropoulos sits down with the guys to talk about controversial workers' comp issues and related cases that Oklahoma's highest court has mishandled.Click here to read Andy Spiropoulos' article "Once More into the Breach: The Path to Effective Workers' Compensation Reform in Oklahoma."

    The Economic & Legal Case Against the Minimum Wage

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 23, 2024 48:04


    Ryan sits down with Ben Lepak to discuss a recent activist initiative to raise the minimum wage in Oklahoma and why it would be a bad move for the state.

    The scores are in

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 9, 2024 46:06


    Ahead of the upcoming November election, Curtis and Ryan discuss OCPA's 2024 legislative scorecard and first-ever judicial scorecard. Click here to see the 2024 Legislative Scorecard.Click here to see OCPA's Judicial Scorecard.To learn more about the lawsuit over the University of Oklahoma's racist scholarship practices, click here.

    Talk Left, Walk Right: Interview with Dr. Brad Wilcox on how marriage can save civilization

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 12, 2024 43:06


    Curtis and Ryan talk with Dr. Wilcox of the University of Virginia about his research on marriage and the family as well as his new book, Get Married: Why Americans Must Defy the Elites, Forge Strong Families, and Save Civilization.

    Voice Of Experience Talks Dangers Of Bar-Controlled Courts

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 17, 2024 37:44


    Prof. Brian Fitzpatrick of Vanderbilt Law School talks to Ryan and Curtis about how Tennessee successfully changed its judicial nominating process — and why Oklahoma should do the same. They discuss the dangers of a Bar-controlled court system and discuss what it would look like to allow the continuance of the Judicial Nominating Commission to be put to a state question.For more content on the truth and dangers of the JNC, listen to this popular episode with Ben Lepak; "Legislators In Black Robes With Ben Lepak."

    Dr. Ben Carson stops by

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 3, 2024 31:07


    Curtis talks to Dr. Ben Carson about where he comes from and where he thinks the country is going. 

    Susan B. Anthony

    Play Episode Play 40 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 11, 2024 36:32


    Curtis and Ryan discuss judicial reform in Oklahoma with Katie Daniel, Susan B. Anthony Pro Life America's state policy director, and unpack how Oklahoma's courts threaten the state's pro-life laws. 

    Tip of the Cap

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 11, 2023 41:49


    Curtis and Ryan talk about the new school choice tax credit and tease major legislative priorities for the upcoming session. 

    Never Ending Summer

    Play Episode Listen Later Jul 25, 2023 49:54


    Curtis and Ryan talk about what's been happening in the legislature over the summer and what their own summer plans.

    2023 Session Recap

    Play Episode Listen Later May 31, 2023 42:52


    This week, Curtis and Ryan discuss the good, the bad, and the ugly of the 2023 legislative session. 

    Let's Go Brandon (Dutcher)!

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 24, 2023 41:39


    OCPA is turning 30! This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by OCPA's Senior Vice President, Brandon Dutcher, who began his journey with OCPA as a board member before joining the staff in 1995. Brandon gives listeners the inside look behind the many struggles of a new nonprofit, the changing political climate in Oklahoma since 1993, and OCPA's victories throughout the last 30 years.

    What the heck is a paideia? With special guest Pete Hegseth

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 10, 2023 41:43


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by co-host of Fox & Friends, Pete Hegseth, to discuss his latest book, Battle for the American Mind, and answer questions surrounding education, school choice, and what the heck a paideia is. Pete is also the keynote speaker for OCPA's 2023 Citizenship Award Dinner. Click here for more information on how you can join us to hear him speak on April 26. 

    Legislators in Black Robes with Ben Lepak

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 27, 2023 72:07


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by Executive Director of the State Chamber Research Foundation Ben Lepak. The guys talk about judicial reform, including the Judicial Nominating Commission, and a recent decision regarding abortion by the Supreme Court of Oklahoma. 

    Dead (Or Alive?)

    Play Episode Listen Later Mar 13, 2023 31:18


    This week, Curtis and Ryan discuss bills that made it through the first session deadline, Oklahoma's recent vote on recreational marijuana, and more. 

    Breaking Down the Transgender Session

    Play Episode Listen Later Feb 27, 2023 49:13


    The 2023 Oklahoma Legislative Session is in full swing, and Curtis and Ryan are here to give you the most recent update! The guys break down school choice proposals from the House and Senate, as well as other legislation making its way through each chamber.School Choice Legislation:SB 822 by Sen. Julie DanielsSB 943 by Sen. Shane JettHB 1935 by Speaker McCallOCPA Watchlist OCPA Legislative Scorecard

    Economics in 3 Podcasts: Monetary Madness Pt. 3 with Jeff Deist

    Play Episode Play 29 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 13, 2023 46:59


    This week, Curtis and Ryan close out the economics series with the president of the Mises Institute, Jeff Deist. The guys discuss inflation versus deflation, how states can insulate their economies, the Mises Institute, and more. 

    Economics in 3 Podcasts: Monetary Madness Pt. 2 with Dr. Per Bylund

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 30, 2023 59:35


    In part 2 of the Economics in 3 Podcasts series, Curtis and Ryan are joined by Dr. Per Bylund, a Senior Fellow with the Mises Institute and associate professor of entrepreneurship and Johnny D. Pope Chair and Records-Johnston Professor in the School of Entrepreneurship in the Spears School of Business at Oklahoma State University. The guys discuss Dr. Bylund's latest book, modern monetary theory, entrepreneurship, and what causes prosperity.

    Economics in 3 Podcasts: Monetary Madness

    Play Episode Listen Later Jan 16, 2023 60:02


    Welcome to part 1 of the Economics in 3 Podcasts series! Curtis and Ryan are kicking off the series with Academic Vice President of the Ludwig von Mises Institute, Dr. Joseph T. Salerno to discuss the cause and effects of inflation, Austrian Economics, and more.  

    podcasts madness economics monetary austrian economics academic vice president joseph t salerno
    Is Rank Choice Voting a Rank Choice?

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 23, 2022 54:10


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by the founder of Save Our States and OCPA Distinguished Fellow, Trent England. Trent discusses a new project and takes the guys on a deep dive into rank choice voting. 

    Bloated Bureaucracy

    Play Episode Listen Later Dec 12, 2022 37:00


    This week, Curtis and Ryan unpack the regulatory burden on Oklahomans and our economy. Is Oklahoma an over-regulated state? If so, how do we fix it? The guys discuss all that and more on this episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln. 

    Race to the Bottom

    Play Episode Listen Later Nov 7, 2022 38:56


    How is Oklahoma really doing when it comes to education? The new results are in, and it might be worse than predicted. This week, Curtis and Ryan unpack new test data from the National Assessment of Education Progress (NAEP).Find references on the data here.

    Shine On, You Crazy Diamond with Grover Norquist

    Play Episode Listen Later Oct 10, 2022 63:20


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined with founder and president of Americans for Tax Reform, Grover Norquist. The guys discuss Grover's journey to build ATR at the request of Pres. Ronald Reagan, the success of eliminating the income tax in states across the U.S., and more.

    Fahrenheit 451

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 26, 2022 44:29


    This week, Curtis and Ryan discuss the phenomenon behind "book banning"in Oklahoma public schools.

    Tech Talk with Carl Szabo

    Play Episode Listen Later Sep 6, 2022 47:01


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by the Vice President and General Counsel of NetChoice, Carl Szabo, to discuss the damaging ramifications of anti-trust legislation introduced by U.S. Sen. Amy Klobuchar. 

    Homeless, Not Hopeless: A conversation with Adam Luck

    Play Episode Listen Later Aug 22, 2022 59:38


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by City Care's Chief Executive Officer Adam Luck to talk about his work with Oklahoma's unsheltered. Adam discusses his journey to working with those in poverty and gives an in depth look at City Care Night Shelter, Oklahoma City's only permanent low-barrier night shelter. This episode sheds a light on the sources of homelessness and challenges opinions on government intervention, personal responsibility, and more.

    Housing Market Fix with Tobias Peter

    Play Episode Play 24 sec Highlight Listen Later Jun 24, 2022 43:38


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined by Research Fellow and Assistant Director of the American Enterprise Institute Housing Center, Tobias Peter. The guys discuss the current housing climate, how the government can (or can't) stabilize the market, and more.

    Regular Episode, Special Session

    Play Episode Listen Later Jun 10, 2022 22:12


    In this episode, Curtis and Ryan discuss special session, tax reform, and true economic relief. 

    Legislative Letdowns

    Play Episode Listen Later May 27, 2022 38:51


    This week, Curtis and Ryan discuss Ryan's new claim to fame, the letdowns of this legislative session, and the potential to unite both sides of the political aisle.

    Closing Time

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later May 13, 2022 43:07


    On this episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln, Curtis and Ryan discuss corporate welfare, the possibility of the Supreme Court of the United States overturning Roe v. Wade, and why it is important to reform the judicial nominating process in Oklahoma. 

    Pension Problems and Pyromaniacs

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Apr 22, 2022 39:03


    This week, Curtis and Ryan discuss Stillwater's problematic bathroom policy and some in the legislature attempting to line their own pockets.Article links:1. OSU's Drag Queen Story Hour2. Lawmaker makes false statements about bill3. Stillwater board refuses to change bathroom policy4. OCPA urges action by Hofmeister, State Board of Education on bathroom policy5. Oklahoma's confusing bathroom policy: context and legal background6. Why defined-contribution retirement plans are preferable to defined-benefit plans7. Nondoc: 'Burn it down: Chris Kannady hears no Senate bills in Civil Judiciary meeting

    Getting to Know Will Cain

    Play Episode Listen Later Apr 8, 2022 39:47


    This week, Curtis is joined with co-host of Fox & Friends and former ESPN personality, Will Cain. The guys discuss Will's journey to television and his insight into the ever-growing hostility in news media.  Cain is the featured speaker at this year's Citizenship Award Dinner. Learn more here.

    A Conversation with Corey DeAngelis

    Play Episode Play 23 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 25, 2022 44:41


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined with the national director of research at the American Federation for Children, Corey DeAngelis, to discuss school choice.  DeAngelis is the 2022 recipient of OCPA's annual Citizenship Award. Learn more about the event honoring his work for families across the nation here. 

    Papist Priorities with Brett Farley

    Play Episode Play 24 sec Highlight Listen Later Mar 11, 2022 40:11


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined with Brett Farley, Executive Director of Catholic Conference of Oklahoma, to discuss his work at the Capitol, the Catholic Church's role in shaping politics, and more.

    Fines, Fees, and Taxes - Legislative Update #1

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 25, 2022 50:44


    This week, the guys give a big update on legislation at the capitol, Curtis goes in depth on his new proposal for reform, and Ryan is heading to CPAC.Read the proposal here.

    Best Job in the World with Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell

    Play Episode Play 23 sec Highlight Listen Later Feb 11, 2022 45:03


    This week, Curtis and Ryan are joined with Oklahoma Lt. Gov. Matt Pinnell. The guys discuss the State of the State address, Oklahoma's recent rebrand, and what makes being Oklahoma's Lieutenant Governor the best job in the world. 

    2022 Bills: The Good, The Bad, & The Stupid

    Play Episode Play 30 sec Highlight Listen Later Jan 28, 2022 43:21


    Curtis and Ryan are back from break with a brand new episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln! This week, the guys discuss the good, the bad, and the stupid bills that have been filed for the upcoming legislative session.Read article here: https://www.ocpathink.org/post/with-2300-bills-introduced-which-ones-should-you-watch

    New Year's Special with Steve Deace

    Play Episode Play 24 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 31, 2021 43:35


    On this episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln, the guys sit down with TheBlaze's Steve Deace to discuss school choice and saving America from the leftist agenda.

    The Transparent Fix to Our Healthcare System with Will Bruhn

    Play Episode Play 25 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 17, 2021 25:52


    This week, Ryan takes a hiatus while Curtis is joined with longtime friend Will Bruhn to discuss price transparency, the government's role in our healthcare system and more. Bruhn is the COO and Co-Founder of Restoring Medicine — a grassroots movement of doctors, nurses, students, business leaders, and everyday citizens from across the United States that are demanding a more honest and fair health care system. 

    Free Market Medicine Pt. 2 with Jay Kempton

    Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Dec 3, 2021 44:43


    Curtis and Ryan are here with part two of the Free Market Medicine series! This week, the guys are joined by Jay Kempton, Owner and President of the Kempton Group, to discuss the healthcare industry from the buyers' perspective.Learn more about the Kempton Group: https://www.kemptongroup.com/ 

    Free Market Medicine Pt. 1 with Dr. Keith Smith

    Play Episode Play 22 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 19, 2021 62:41


    On this week's episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln, Curtis and Ryan are joined with Dr. Keith Smith to discuss his journey to co-founding Surgery Center of Oklahoma and the importance of free market medicine. Learn more about Surgery Center of Oklahoma: https://surgerycenterok.com/ 

    College Clarity: The Truth About Higher Education

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Nov 5, 2021 34:15


    Is a college degree worth the expense? This week, the guys discuss Curtis's recent study and how Oklahoma college degrees fare on debt-earnings tests.

    Myth Busters: Eliminating Oklahoma's Income tax

    Play Episode Play 18 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 22, 2021 29:47


    Curtis and Ryan are back this week to discuss eliminating Oklahoma's income tax and bust the myths around raising property taxes.

    Don't Follow People Into Bathrooms

    Play Episode Play 20 sec Highlight Listen Later Oct 8, 2021 24:14


    On this episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln, Curtis and Ryan are back to the regular schedule and discuss the ever-growing political discourse in America, as well as Joy Hofmeister's announcement to run for Oklahoma governor in 2022. 

    Rod on the Pod: Special Episode with Rod Dreher

    Play Episode Play 24 sec Highlight Listen Later Sep 30, 2021 40:21


    On this special episode of Thinkin' on Lincoln, Curtis and Ryan are joined with New York Times Best Selling Author and Senior Editor at the American Conservative, Rod Dreher. The guys discuss Dreher's books, including Live Not By Lies, and the threat of soft totalitarianism in America.  

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